by Marlon Bernardino.
Philippine chess prodigy Yanie Ayesha Estavillo of General Trias City, Cavite pocketed the top honors in the 2021 National Youth and Schools Chess Championship – Visayas Leg Under 11 Open Category on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Tornelo platform.
The 9-year-old Estavillo, a grade 4 student of John Isabel Learning Center in General Trias City, Cavite, playing under the guidance of Rep. Jon-Jon Ferrer and coach Ederwin Estavillo collected six points on six wins and one loss to win the seven-round tournament.
Estavillo scored victories in succeeding rounds over Julie Gelua Jr. , Miguel Enrico Daabay , Ghierzen Lhou Sebastian, John Curt Valencia, Louie Marzan Nisperos and Hans Lee Villorente in the final round.
Her only loss at the hands of Sebastian Marbas in the fifth round.
“When the game is over I just want to look at myself in the mirror. Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I’m doing.” said Estavillo, who is best remembered for her runner-up finish in the 2019 Thailand Chess Festival in Pattaya, Thailand